Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander

2022 Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander: Power & Performance

When you have a busy schedule, you’ll need to be behind the wheel of an SUV that has the power to get you to your destination with ease. Luckily, the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander offer powerful standard engines that can help you tackle your commutes, errand runs, and more:

• The Ford Explorer comes with a 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine that delivers 300 horsepower.
• The Toyota Highlander offers a 3.5L V6 engine that generates 295 horsepower.

Additionally, the 2022 Ford Explorer comes standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission with selectShift® capability. Unfortunately, the 2022 Toyota Highlander only offers a Direct Shift-8AT 8-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission.

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Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander: Capabilities

If you need to bring heavy cargo on your next trip, you’ll need an SUV with impressive capabilities. Thanks to their standard engines, the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander boast impressive towing abilities.

For example, the standard powertrain enables the 2022 Ford Explorer to tow up to 5,300 pounds when properly equipped. With this much power, you can bring your small hard-side RV or small recreational boat on your next adventure.

In comparison, the standard engine only allows the Toyota Highlander to tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, so you won’t be able to bring as much with you on your next road trip.

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2022 Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander: Cabin & Cargo Space

Whether you’re making a quick trip to the store or starting a week-long road trip, you’ll want to have plenty of space throughout the cabin to ensure everyone’s comfortable during your drive. With their roomy interiors, the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander give you and your passengers space to stretch out.

Depending on where you’re seated, you’ll have the following amounts of legroom:

	First row (inches)	Second row (inches)	Third row (inches)
Ford Explorer	43	39	32.2
Toyota Highlander	42	41	27.7

Additionally, the 2022 Ford Explorer offers 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, so you can transport your essentials when your cabin is full of passengers. In comparison, the 2022 Toyota Highlander only has 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, so you may have to leave some items at home during your next trip.